Margibi County, Liberia — Emmanuel K. Tokpah, a former legislative staffer and prominent son of Margibi County, has sharply criticized a recent petition by the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) calling on the United States government to investigate alleged police brutality against members of the Student Unification Party (SUP).
In a strongly worded statement, Tokpah described the CDC’s action as hypocritical, arguing that the party previously presided over similar acts of violence against the same student group during its time in power.
“It is very hypocritical for the CDC to now condemn police brutality when, under their leadership, they organized and presided over a series of brutalities against the Student Unification Party,” Tokpah said.
He pointed specifically to events on July 26, 2022 —Liberia’s Independence Day — when SUP members were allegedly assaulted near the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. According to Tokpah, the incident involved individuals he claims were linked to supporters of the then CDC-led government.
Tokpah further alleged that the violence occurred under the direction of Jefferson Koijee, adding that authorities at the time failed to take meaningful action against those responsible.
“I think they should keep quiet,” Tokpah remarked, asserting that the CDC lacks the moral standing to condemn such actions.
His comments come amid renewed tensions in Monrovia, where SUP members and allied groups have accused the Liberia National Police of using excessive force, including tear gas, during a recent “Jobs and Justice” protest near the U.S. Embassy.
Tokpah’s remarks are expected to resonate among political observers and civil society actors, particularly those who recall the 2022 incident and continue to question consistency in political responses to issues of human rights and law enforcement conduct.
Meanwhile, calls for restraint, accountability, and constructive dialogue persist as Liberia navigates ongoing debates surrounding student activism, policing, and opposition politics.
